This anonymous quote states, “Peace is not when everyone agrees. It’s when we can respect our disagreements and still play in the sandbox together.” Few people enjoy conflict, and it takes a little work to understand how to handle it well, especially if you’re trying not to be triggered in recovery. Just like other essential...

Whether you’re building a new sober life or trying to redefine your purpose in recovery, having resilience is the backbone of your efforts. It allows you to bounce back from setbacks and also take decisive action in the face of adversity. Here are some ways you can cultivate more resilience, stay healthy, and reach your...

There’s no reason to doubt that therapy will help in your addiction rehabilitation and recovery goals. However, finding the best approach impacts the success of your progress—and if you’ve tried one method and it wasn’t a good fit, it might be necessary to consider other options. Would motivational interviewing be more effective? Or cognitive behavioral...

It’s tragic to watch someone you care for struggle with drug or alcohol misuse. On one hand, you know they’re fighting a disease they can’t manage without assistance. On the other, you might not feel comfortable getting involved in their health matters. But deep down, you probably understand that your friend with a substance abuse...

When you set your sights on a healing course, trying different therapeutic techniques to understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors gives you a strong advantage. This approach helps you design a purposeful life in recovery and all other aspects of your life. If you have yet to try motivational interviewing, there are many benefits you...

When you have an opportunity to aid healing, without surgeries or medications, it’s a great feeling. More importantly, it gives you a sense of empowerment that you can manage your health effectively, even when you’re dealing with the inevitable ups and downs of sobriety—or life in general. Choosing holistic recovery options makes you feel better...

According to research from the RAND organization, when Veterans return home from deployment, nearly 50 percent experience difficulties with their families, and more than 40 percent struggle to adjust to civilian life. Some face additional battles, too, such as PTSD, depression, anger management, substance and alcohol misuse, and the effects of traumatic brain injuries. In...

Habit stacking isn’t simply a catchphrase: it’s an evidence-based behavioral change strategy to help you use existing habits as the building blocks to create more desirable ones—and stick to them. This might be an exciting new approach for you as you continue to build a purposeful life in recovery. Let’s take a closer look.  How...

Reading this title, you might think, “Ah! Only 10? Well, I’ve got this!” And enthusiasm is important. That said, no matter where you are in your recovery process, crafting a purposeful life takes thought, planning, action, and time—after all, what does inspiration look like, and how do you expand yours? What is most meaningful to...

Even the most confident person has experienced feelings of guilt at some point. While researchers indicate that, in the right context, guilt can help you take proper action, learning how to forgive yourself, especially while navigating a healthy recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, is often a work in progress. How can you get better...